Newark—Acting Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N. Stephens, II, and Newark Public Safety Director Anthony F. Ambrose announced today that Mr. Dashawn Walton, 24, of Newark, has been charged with first degree aggravated manslaughter for causing the death of Mr. Omar Martin, a veteran corrections officer at Northern State Prison.
Authorities said on Aug. 24, at approximately 2:30 am an officer from the Hillside Police Department attempted to stop a Nissan Altima being driven by Walton, who sped away at a high rate of speed. The officer followed him. Walton when the wrong way on Aldine Street, a one-way street.
According to police the officer activated his lights and Walton continue to travel on Aldine into the city of Newark, colliding with Martin at the intersection on Bragaw Avenue in Newark.
The Nissan struck the Ford Mustang driven by Martin, pushing the vehicle into a utility pole and causing fatal injuries.
Martin, who was not involved with the pursuit, was pronounced dead at the scene. Martin, 49, was a resident of Newark.
In addition to aggravated manslaughter, Walton is also charged with second degree eluding, third degree causing a death while in a motor vehicle collision while driving without a license, and second-degree vehicular homicide.
These charges are accusations.
The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until he either pleads guilty or is found guilty in a court of law.